Heart attack risk high for firefighters

Two recent firefighter deaths this month, in Middleboro and Quincy, are suspected to be from heart attacks.

By Jennifer Bray

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

By Jennifer Bray

Posted Jul. 26, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 26, 2013 at 11:36 AM

By Jennifer Bray

Posted Jul. 26, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 26, 2013 at 11:36 AM

MIDDLEBORO

» Social News

MIDDLEBORO – Extreme stress, heat and equipment weighing up to 85 pounds are part of the daily routine for firefighters.

So is the risk of dying of a heart attack, the rate of which while fighting a fire is 100 times greater than normal, according to a Harvard study published in 2007 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

That study also found that firefighters have a significantly increased chance of heart attack while responding or returning from an alarm or taking part in physical training.

“As an occupation, firefighters are under a great deal of physical and mental stress,” said Dr. Clifford Berger, a cardiologist with Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton.

Two firefighter deaths this month are suspected to be caused by heart attacks.

Middleboro firefighter David Brier, 50, died Monday from a heart attack, according to Fire Chief Lance Benjamino. Brier had just finished a shift when stricken.

On July 8, Quincy firefighter John Austin, 37, was responding to an emergency call when he collapsed and later died from what was most likely a heart attack, said Ernie Arienti, former president of the Quincy Firefighters Association.

Neither was fighting a fire when he suffered the apparent heart attack.

The equipment and gear worn by a firefighter are the same whether responding to a medical call or fire. And the heavier, more modern equipment combined with the recent dangerously hot weather makes a tough job even tougher, according to Brockton Fire Chief Richard Francis.

“Thirty-five years ago, I’d respond to a fire in a canvas coat and rubber boots,” said Francis. “Now this equipment is developed by NASA; it’s heavier and protects better, allowing firefighters to go deeper into a fire.”

That protective equipment lets firefighters work longer and harder. But it can also increase the risk of stress and exhaustion.

Francis said he rotates his crews on hot days. If a fire goes more than two alarms, more aid is brought in from neighboring communities.

If a fire reaches three alarms, a rehab unit is brought in from Middleboro, said Francis, allowing firefighters to cool off inside an air-conditioned area, get re-hydrated and rest. It can also be used as a warming center in the winter.

According to Francis, the city of Brockton’s last line-of-duty death – meaning a death within 24 hours of a shift worked – was in 1975.

Abington Fire Chief John Nuttall said his department has been fortunate to not have a line-of-duty death.

Nuttall said he also tries to ensure extra help during severe weather and fire conditions.

“The last couple of fires we’ve had, we’ve really tried to dilute the workload at fire scenes so that the firefighters can cool down and to lessen the physical stress,” said Nuttall.

Page 2 of 2 - The signs of heart attack can be subtle and may vary, according to Berger, the Good Samaritan doctor. He said that most of the time people experience discomfort rather than pain and the vast majority of heart attacks are not fatal. Many heart attack victims have had symptoms for a few hours or days and they have not recognized them or simply ignored them, he said.

“People are reluctant to get help. They don’t want to be seen as crying wolf,” said Berger.

A memorial service is scheduled today for Brier at Middleboro’s Central Fire Station.